Proposed Alcohol Ordinance Changes, Public Survey

Should people under 21 be allowed in bar environments after 10 p.m.?
(Take the survey)

Proposed alcohol ordinance changes would restrict when people under 21 could be in any business earning 35 percent or more of their annual gross sales from alcohol. The proposed ordinance is scheduled for final approval by the City Council Nov. 5 and could take effect Nov. 16. Southeast Missouri State University officials hope the ordinance will reduce underage alcohol consumption. Read more about the proposed ordinance from the Oct. 15 official agenda report.

The City is reviewing the proposed ordinance, which passed the first reading at the Oct.15 City Council meeting. The public, staff and Council have expressed concerns regarding the potentially adverse effects of restricting underage patrons from certain restaurants and entertainment venues. For example, underage friends often serve as designated drivers. Fewer designated drivers could be one unintended result of the proposed ordinance. In addition, prohibiting late-night, underage customers could also reduce revenue for some businesses.

The first draft of the proposed ordinance would have applied to underage employees. Staff will be adding exceptions for the businesses’ employees under age 21 before the Nov. 5 City Council meeting.

Businesses with liquor licenses do not currently report the percent of revenue from alcohol sales. Any business with a City liquor license could be subject to the proposed ordinance if their alcohol sales are 35 percent or more of their revenue. Liquor-licensed businesses not only include bars and restaurants, but also private clubs and stores.